Administration Of Antiplatelet Agents Research Articles

Study protocol of the ASTOP trial: A multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of presurgical aspirin administration for the prevention of thromboembolic complications of coil embolization for ruptured aneurysms.

Thromboembolism is a serious complication of endovascular treatment for ruptured cerebral aneurysms. The administration of antiplatelet agents before endovascular treatment for ruptured cerebral aneurysms may reduce the risk of thromboembolic complications. This study aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of preoperative aspirin administration in endovascular treatment for ruptured cerebral aneurysms. Assuming a 15% incidence rate of both intraoperative thromboembolic morbidity and symptomatic ischemic lesions on magnetic resonance imaging diffusion-weighted imaging scans assessed by an Independent Review Committee, a sample size of 484 will be required to detect a 10% improvement with aspirin administration with 90% power using the Pearson's chi-square test at a two-sided significance level of 2.5% for each primary outcome, after accounting for a 5% dropout rate. ASTOP is a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. A total of 484 patients with ruptured cerebral aneurysms receiving coil embolization within 72 h of onset will be randomly assigned 1:1 to receive 200 mg of aspirin or placebo before the procedure. The primary outcomes will be the incidence rates of intraoperative thromboembolic complications and symptomatic ischemic lesions on magnetic resonance imaging diffusion-weighted imaging scans evaluated by the Independent Review Committee. The secondary outcomes will be the incidence rate of cerebral ischemic events and all bleeding events within 14 days of enrollment and functional outcomes defined by the modified Rankin Scale score at 90 days. This trial will provide valuable data on the role of antiplatelet agents during endovascular treatment for ruptured cerebral aneurysms. Registration: Japan Registry of Clinical Trials, Identifier: jRCTs031210421.

Antithrombotic Treatment in Coronary Artery Disease.

Coronary artery disease exhibits growing mortality and morbidity worldwide despite the advances in pharmacotherapy and coronary intervention. Coronary artery disease is classified in the acute coronary syndromes and chronic coronary syndromes according to the most recent guidelines of the European Society of Cardiology. Antithrombotic treatment is the cornerstone of therapy in coronary artery disease due to the involvement of atherothrombosis in the pathophysiology of the disease. Administration of antiplatelet agents, anticoagulants and fibrinolytics reduce ischemic risk, which is amplified early post-acute coronary syndromes or post percutaneous coronary intervention; though, antithrombotic treatment increases the risk for bleeding. The balance between ischemic and bleeding risk is difficult to achieve and is affected by patient characteristics, procedural parameters, concomitant medications and pharmacologic characteristics of the antithrombotic agents. Several pharmacological strategies have been evaluated in patients with coronary artery disease, such as the effectiveness and safety of antithrombotic agents, optimal dual antiplatelet treatment schemes and duration, aspirin de-escalation strategies of dual antiplatelet regimens, dual inhibition pathway strategies as well as triple antithrombotic therapy. Future studies are needed in order to investigate the gaps in our knowledge, including special populations.

Drug Interactions in Coronary Heart Disease Patients : a Literature Review

Background: Patients with coronary heart disease generally receive many drugs, such as hypercholesterolemia, antianginal, antiplatelet, anticoagulants, and medications for comorbid illnesses such as antihypertension and diabetes mellitus. Concomitant administration of several types of drugs may result in drug interactions. Objective : This study aims to figure out drug interactions that might occur in using combination drugs in patients with coronary heart disease. Methods: This article review uses the Google Scholar database, published 2017-2022. The keywords used were "coronary heart disease and drug interactions." The PRISMA flowchart is used to summarize the article selection process. Results: Administration of aspirin with clopidogrel causes a moderate synergistic interaction, whereas administration of antiplatelet agents with anticoagulants causes a significant synergistic interaction on bleeding. And the administration of nifedipine with atorvastatin causes a synergistic pharmacodynamic interaction. Conclusions: Drug interactions occur in patients with coronary heart disease, either synergistic or antagonistic pharmacodynamic interactions with minor, moderate, and significant classifications

The influence of clinical and medical history factors and anti-thrombotic therapy on the prognosis in patients with atrial fibrillation and myocardial infarction

Aim: To assess an impact of clinical and medical history factors and antithrombotic therapy on the prognosis in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (AF) admitted to the cardiology in-patient clinic for myocardial infarction (MI).
 Materials and methods: This was a retro-prospective study. Two hundred and fifty six (256) patients with AF plus MI (median age 71.0 [65.0; 79.3] years; men, 143 (55.8%)) were included into the retrospective part of the study in 20182019. Data on their clinical and medical history particulars, as well as on antithrombotic therapy were collected from their medical files. Nineteen (19) [13; 25] months after the index event (MI), telephone contact was made with patients or their relatives in order to assess the patient's life status, as well as record the frequency of non-fatal MI and cerebral strokes (MI). Contact was established with 253 patients. The completeness of the sample coverage is 99.0%.
 Results: During the follow-up after discharge from the hospital, 29.6% (n = 75) of patients died, 40.7% (n = 103) of patients reached the composite endpoint (CЕ), which included deaths, non-fatal MI and brain strokes.
 The patients who died, compared to those who survived, were older (77.0 [62.0; 82.0] vs 68.0 [62.0;76.7] years, respectively, p 0.001), with a smaller proportion of men (44.0% vs 61.2%, respectively, p = 0.012). They were also more likely to have had type 2 diabetes mellitus (50.7% vs 37.1%, p = 0.04) and the history of acute stroke (24.0% vs 8.4%, p 0.001), and less likely to have had percutaneous coronary intervention (48.0% vs 64.0%, p 0.001). Serum creatinine levels in those who have died were higher than in the surviving patients (114.0 [95.0; 139.0] mmol/l vs 99.5 [85.0; 120.0] mmol/l, p 0.001).
 The patients who have achieved CE, compared to those who have not, were older (75.0 [67.0; 81.0] vs 65.0 [50.0; 82.0] years, respectively, p 0.001), with a smaller proportion of men (48.5% vs 61.3%, respectively, p = 0.045), higher proportion of patients with past history of stroke (20.4% vs 8.0%, p = 0.005) and fewer patients who had underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (52.4% vs 66.0%, p 0.03).
 There was no significant association between the administration of anti-platelet agents and/or oral anticoagulants and outcomes in the patients with AF and MI.
 Conclusion: In the patients with AF and MI, a higher death risk and achievement of CE were significantly associated with age and a history of stroke. The use of anti-platelet agents and oral anticoagulants in various combinations had no significant impact on the outcomes in this patient group, which is likely related to small duration of the follow-up and small patient sample.

Possibilities of antiplatelet therapy in non-cardioembolic ischemic stroke

Most patients survive their first non-cardioembolic ischemic stroke (IS), but a significant proportion of them experience a second stroke within the first year. The main directions for the prevention of recurrent IS are antihypertensive and lipid-lowering therapy, control of glucose levels in patients with diabetes mellitus, and smoking cessation. Clinical guidelines recommend the use of antiplatelet therapy in patients with noncardioembolic IS or transient ischemic attack (TIA). The administration of antiplatelet agents to patients who have had a TIA or stroke reduces their risk of recurrent stroke by 23% and the overall risk of vascular events (myocardial infarction, stroke, and death from cardiovascular disease) by 17% (Antithrombotic Trialists' Collaboration, 2009). Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA), the combined use of clopidogrel and ASA, and the combination of ASA with sustained release dipyridamole have been shown to be effective for secondary prevention of non-cardioembolic IS. Intensive antiplatelet therapy reduces the risk of recurrent stroke, but increases the frequency of bleeding.

Proton pump inhibitors: important information for cardiologists

Thromboembolic disorders occupy an important place in the structure of cardiovascular pathologies. Anticoagulants and antiplatelet agents proved to be the most efficient preventive medications for this group of patients, they enable reduction of the risk for both primary and secondary thromboembolic complications. However, their main shortcoming is the high potential of serious adverse events, basically related to gastrointestinal tract. That’s why, to prevent stress ulcers and bleedings in these patients, administration of antiplatelet agents, thrombolysis and heparin therapy is obligatory combined with the proton pump inhibitors. The authors presented data of evidence‑based medicine regarding one of the proton pump inhibitors, Ezolong, that contains esomeprazole (branded generic of Organosyn company). This combined medication is a modern formulation with the improved properties and more prolonged and predictable effect. Apart from its high protective efficacy, Ezolong is well tolerated, which is explained by the peculiarities of its pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics. Based on the complex of its clinical effects and safety profile, it is the drug of choice for patients with cardiovascular diseases. Ezolong is marketed in various formulations. Availability of its injectable formulation allows to achieve a quick intake of the active substance into the body, which is important for the therapy of acute pathologies and in case of impossibility of oral administration of the drug. Capsulated Ezolong provides easy administration, dosing accuracy, high adherence to the therapy of patients receiving outpatient treatment.

Increased risk of Ventriculostomy-Associated hemorrhage in patients treated with antiplatelet agents for stent-assisted coiling of ruptured intracranial aneurysms

Purpose The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of antiplatelet agents for stent-assisted coiling, including intravenous (IV) tirofiban as an antiplatelet premedication, on rates of external ventricular drain (EVD)-related hemorrhage in acutely ruptured intracranial aneurysms. The impact of IV tirofiban in particular was also evaluated. Methods Rates of radiographically identified hemorrhage associated with EVD placement were compared between patients who received an antiplatelet agent for stent-assisted coil embolization (SACE), and patients who did not receive an antiplatelet agent between June 2013 and June 2019. Results 78 patients treated for a ruptured aneurysm which required an EVD were included. A total of 46 patients who underwent stent-assisted coiling and received IV tirofiban and oral asipirin and clopidogrel (DAPT) were included in the antiplatelet group, while 32 who underwent single coiling and received no antiplatelet therapy were included in the control group. Overall, EVD-related hemorrhage occurred in 13 patients (16.67%): 11 (23.91%) in the antiplatelet group and 2 (6.25%) in the control group (p = 0.040). Of 37 patients who underwent computed tomography after SACE, but before the use of DAPT, 8 (21.62%) exhibited EVD-related hemorrhage after IV tirofiban therapy (p = 0.070 vs. control group). EVD-related hemorrhage was not significantly different between patients with EVD placement after coil embolization versus before coil embolization (p = 0.124). In the subgroup analysis for the antiplatelet group, we did not observed increased EVD-related hemorrhage in patients receiving EVD placement after administration of antiplatelet agents (8/27 [29.63%]) versus before administration of antiplatelet agents (3/19 [15.79%]). Conclusion Patients with ruptured aneurysm who receive an antiplatelet agent for stent-assisted coiling are at a higher risk for EVD-related hemorrhage. The order of EVD placement and EVT, as well as the order of EVD placement and antiplatelet initiation do not appear to be significantly different regarding the outcome of EVD-related hemorrhage. Highlights Patients with ruptured aneurysm who receive an antiplatelet agent for stent-assisted coiling are at a higher risk for EVD-related hemorrhage. There was a trend towards higher EVD related haemorrhage when tirofiban was used but it did not reach statisitical significance. The order of EVD—whether before vs after endovascular treatment, or before vs after antiplatelet therapy did not influence the EVD-related hemorrhage rates.

Effect of antiplatelet pretreatment on platelet aggregation and clinical outcomes in acute ischemic stroke patients treated with recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator.

Early administration of antiplatelet agents in acute ischemic stroke patients (AIS) receiving intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) is a potential therapeutic strategy, however, safety and efficacy are not well established. We hypothesize that antiplatelet pretreatment (AP) before IVT have a similarly role as initiation of AP within the first 24 hours following IVT. We aimed to explore the effect of AP on platelet aggregation and clinical outcomes in thrombolysis-treated AIS patients. We enrolled AIS patients treated with IVT at the Neurology Department of the Nanjing First Hospital from January 2016 to June 2018. Prior use of antiplatelet agent was recorded. Light transmittance aggregometry was used to estimate the maximum platelet aggregation (MPA). Linear regression model was performed to investigate the factors associated with MPA. Multivariate logistic regression was used to analyse the association between AP and clinical outcomes. A total of 59 patients were included; 23 (38.9 %) were taking antiplatelet agent before stroke. Prior AP (β = -20.209, SE mean=6.574; P=0.004) was significantly lower the arachidonic acid-induced MPA at the time point of 3h after thrombolysis. AP did not increase of the risk for sICH (OR=3.41, 95%CI 0.16-7.20, p=0.436) or mortality (OR=3.55, 95%CI 0.39-8.52, p=0.260). There were no associations between AP and improved clinical outcomes (all P>0.05). In thrombolysis-treated AIS patients, AP was associated with lower MPA after thrombolysis. AP is safe in these patients, however, further studies are required to confirm the efficacy.

Rotational thromboelastometry-guided perioperative management of coagulation in a patient with Heyde\u2019s syndrome undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation

BackgroundChanges in coagulability during the hyperacute phase within 24 h after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) for Heyde’s syndrome, or aortic stenosis complicated by gastrointestinal angiodysplasia and acquired coagulation dysfunction, have not been clarified. We evaluated perioperative changes in coagulability using rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM).Case presentationA female patient with Heyde’s syndrome in her 80s underwent TAVI. ROTEM showed coagulation dysfunction before and at 6 h after surgery. Improvements in coagulation function started at 12 h after surgery. Based on ROTEM findings, oral administration of antiplatelet agents was started on the day after surgery. No hemorrhagic complications were observed in the postoperative phase.ConclusionsEvaluation of coagulation function using ROTEM was useful for monitoring perioperative hemostasis and coagulation in this patient.

Ristocetin induces phosphorylated-HSP27 (HSPB1) release from the platelets of type 2 DM patients: Anti-platelet agent-effect on the release.

It has been previously reported that HSP27 is released from platelets in type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) patients according to phosphorylation. In the present study, we investigated the effect of ristocetin, a glycoprotein (GP)Ib/IX/V activator, on the release of HSP27 and the effect of anti-platelet agents, such as acetylsalicylic acid (ASA), on this release. Forty-six patients with type 2 DM were recruited, and classified into two groups depending on administration of anti-platelet agents, resulting in 31 patients without these agents (control group) and 15 patients with them (anti-platelet group). Ristocetin potently induced the aggregation of platelets in the two groups. Ristocetin-induced changes of the area under the curve of light transmittance and the ratio of the size of platelet aggregates in the anti-platelet group were slightly different from those in the control group. On the other hand, the levels of phosphorylated-HSP27 induced by ristocetin in the platelets from a patient of the anti-platelet group taking ASA were significantly lower than those from a patient of the control group. The levels of HSP27 release from the ristocetin-stimulated platelets were significantly correlated with the levels of phosphorylated-HSP27 in the platelets from patients in the two groups. The levels of HSP27 release and those of platelet-derived growth factor-AB (PDGF-AB) secretion stimulated by ristocetin in the anti-platelet group were lower than those in the control group. In addition, the levels of HSP27 release and those of PDGF-AB secretion stimulated by ADP in the anti-platelet group were lower than those in the control group. These results strongly suggest that anti-platelet agents inhibit the HSP27 release from platelets stimulated by ristocetin but not the aggregation in type 2 DM patients.

Evaluation of pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic, efficacy, and safety data of low-dose ticagrelor versus standard dose in East Asians: a systematic review

East Asians are prone to higher systemic exposure and increased risk of bleeding compared to other races after administration of antiplatelet agent(s). The aim of this systematic review was to compare and evaluate the appropriateness of a lower dose versus standard dose of ticagrelor in East Asians. A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases for studies comparing low versus standard doses of ticagrelor in East Asian populations; a total of seven studies were included in the review. Pharmacokinetic (PK), pharmacodynamic (PD), clinical efficacy, and safety data were collected. PK data demonstrated that the Cmax and area under the curve (AUC) of ticagrelor increased dose-proportionally. PD data indicated that while the low dose of ticagrelor resulted in less antiplatelet activity in three of the five PD studies, in the other studies, there were no differences between low and standard doses. There were two clinical studies included in this review, which showed that the efficacy was similar between the low and standard doses, but both studies were limited by the number of patients included. While there were generally greater incidence of adverse events observed in the standard ticagrelor dose, the magnitude or actual difference between the two doses is difficult to determine due to lack of consistent data. In East Asians, the appropriateness of the low-dose ticagrelor cannot be determined based on the currently available evidence. Additional large-scale and longer duration studies are warranted.

Perioperative management of a patient with an autosomal dominant hypercoagulation disorder scheduled for off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery

Factor V Leiden (FVL) is the most common known inherited cause of thrombophilia; it is present in ∼5% of the Caucasian population. This results from mutation of the factor V protein, which is found to have normal procoagulant function in vitro but is resistant to inactivation by activated protein C. We describe the case of a 61-year-old male heterozygote for FVL with diagnosed coronary artery disease scheduled for off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting. Avoidance of antifibrinolytics completely, early administration of antiplatelet agents, heparin infusion 6 h after surgery or starting low molecular weight heparin, early extubation, active limb physiotherapy, use of pneumatic compression pumps, and most important of all early mobilization holds the key for successful outcomes of these patients. A comprehensive care team comprising an anesthesiologist, surgeons, and a hematologist should manage individuals with FVL.

Carotid stenting and endarterectomy.

Stroke, either ischemic or hemorrhagic, remains the second commonest cause of death worldwide in the last decade. Etiologies for ischemic stroke (IS) vary widely. Atherothrombotic occlusion is an essential cause to which carotid artery stenosis (CAS) is a major contributor. Administration of anti-platelet agent to patients with CAS has been shown to reduce incidence of long-term IS. In additional, in patients with symptomatic CAS, clinical trials have demonstrated that carotid endarterectomy (CEA) is superior to medical therapy for prevention of future CAS-related IS. However, CEA is not suitable for CAS post-radiotherapy or those located at higher level of the internal carotid artery; and major complications of this procedure including cranial nerve injuries have stimulated the interest of using percutaneous transfemoral carotid stenting as an alternative approach. Although transfemoral arterial approach of carotid stenting is not inferior to CEA in improving clinical outcomes, it has been reported to be associated with vascular complication and has its limitations in patients with athero-occlusive disease of abdominal aorta or bilateral iliac arteries, level II or III aortic arch, or bovine type carotid arterial anatomy. Therefore, transradial/transbrachial arterial approach has emerged as a novel method for carotid stenting. This article provides a critical review on interventional approaches for the treatment of CAS.

Understanding STAT3 signaling in cardiac ischemia.

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide. It remains one of the greatest challenges to global health and will continue to dominate mortality trends in the future. Acute myocardial infarction results in 7.4 million deaths globally per annum. Current management strategies are centered on restoration of coronary blood flow via percutaneous coronary intervention, coronary artery bypass grafting and administration of anti-platelet agents. Such myocardial reperfusion accounts for 40-50 % of the final infarct size in most cases. Signaling transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) has been shown to have cardioprotective effects via canonical and non-canonical activation and modulation of mitochondrial and transcriptional responses. A significant body of in vitro and in vivo evidence suggests that activation of the STAT3 signal transduction pathway results in a cardio protective response to ischemia and attempts have been made to modulate this with therapeutic effect. Not only is STAT3 important for cardiomyocyte function, but it also modulates the cardiac microenvironment and communicates with cardiac fibroblasts. To this end, we here review the current evidence supporting the manipulation of STAT3 for therapeutic benefit in cardiac ischemia and identify areas for future research.

Dual antiplatelet therapy with clopidogrel and aspirin for secondary stroke prevention.

Stroke is a major public health concern worldwide, and 25% of stroke victims would have another stroke. Although administration of antiplatelet agents has been confirmed to be one of the major approaches for secondary prevention of noncardioembolic stroke, the short-term or long-term use of aspirin plus clopidogrel for secondary stroke prevention remains to be controversial. This article aims at providing a comprehensive review of the evidence on the use of aspirin plus clopidogrel for secondary stroke prevention, with special focus on important studies that may impact clinical practice of treating patients with stroke or transient ischemic attack.

Ischämischer Insult – Diagnostik und Therapie

Management of ischemic stroke is targeted on four therapeutic objectives: limitation of neurological deficit, prevention of earyl stroke recurrence, protection against complications, and secondary prevention. Intravenous thrombolysis within 4.5h of stroke onset is the only proven therapy to improvefunctional outcome. Although promising, neither endovascular recanalisation nor neuroprotective strategies have demonstrated efficacy so far. Immediate administration of antiplatelet agents like acetylsalicylic acid and clopidogrel - in case of intravenous thrombolysis at the earliest after 24h - is effective to prevent early stroke recurrence, whereas anticoagulants should be ommitted in this stage because of an increased risk of cerebral hemorrhage. Subcutaneous heparin/low molecular weight heparin, mobilisation, nasogastric tube, and decompressive craniectomy may protect from venous thromboembolism, aspiration pneumonia, and malignant brain edema, respectively. Secondary prevention is guided by stroke etiology, e.g. oral anticoagulation in the presence atrial fibrillation or endarterectomy in case of sympomatic high-grade carotid stenosis.

Impact of platelet transfusion on survival of patients with intracerebral hemorrhage after administration of anti-platelet agents at a tertiary emergency center.

This study examined the impact of platelet transfusion (PLT) on the survival of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) patients who had been administered anti-platelet agents (APA). This retrospective cohort analysis investigated 432 patients (259 men, 60%) who were newly diagnosed with ICH between January 2006 and June 2011 at the tertiary emergency center of Kitasato University Hospital. Median age on arrival was 67.0 years (range, 40–95 years). ICH was subcortical in 72 patients (16.7%), supratentorial in 233 (53.9%), and infratentorial in 133 (30.8%). PLT was performed in 16 patients (3.7%). Within 90 days after admission to the center, 178 patients (41.2%) had died due to ICH. Before the onset of ICH, 66 patients had been prescribed APA because of atherosclerotic diseases. Multivariate regression analysis indicated APA administration was an independent risk factor for death within 7 days (odds ratio, 5.12; P = 0.006) and within 90 days (hazard ratio, 1.87; P = 0.006) after arrival. Regarding the effect of a PLT in ICH patients with APA, no patient with PLT died. PLT had a survival benefit on patients with ICH, according to our analysis. Further prospective analysis is necessary to confirm the effects of PLT on survival in ICH with APA.

Digital Ulcers in Systemic Sclerosis – How to Manage in 2013?

Digital ulcers (DUs) are among the most frequent and disabling vascular complications in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). The etiology and pathogenesis of DUs differs depending on the lesion localization. For this reason the underlying etiologic and pathogenetic factors will guide the therapeutic decision. The main pathogenic mechanism that contributes to the development of fingertip DUs is ischemia owing to SSc-related vasculopathy. DUs over bony prominences are mainly a result of skin fibrosis, epidermal thinning and mechanical friction. At the areas of subcutaneous calcinosis DUs can develop as a result of mechanical friction and inflammation. Thus, in cases of DUs over bony prominences and calcinosis, avoidance of trauma and skin care are main measures of primary prophylaxis. In pure ischemic DUs, a combination of vasodilators (calcium channel blockers (CCBs), intravenous prostanoid, phosphodiesterase inhibitors) and antiplatelet drugs should be applied. Despite the lack of controlled trials addressing the administration of antiplatelet agents and anticoagulants in DUs in the context of SSc, the current knowledge about the platelet and coagulation dysfunction leads to their frequent administration from the leading experts in the field of SSc. In our opinion, as more powerful agents, anticoagulants should be considered in severe cases of development of digital gangrenes. Analgetics and antibiotics may be indicated and local treatment is a mandatory care. Currently, the EUSTAR recommendations for the treatment of RP and DUs in SSc include CCBs, intravenous prostanoids and endothelin receptor antagonists. Although for the inclusion of other options in the official recommendations, their efficacy should be confirmed by controlled clinical trials, they are routinely used in the leading scleroderma-centers based on the current knowledge about the pathogenesis of development of DUs in SSc.

Letter to the Editor Fracture of a carotid stent and restenosis of common carotid artery

Letter to the Editor Fracture of a carotid stent and restenosis of common carotid artery

The impact of ischemia-reperfusion injury on the effectiveness of primary angioplasty in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction.

The most effective method of reperfusion in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), assisted by aspiration thrombectomy and administration of antiplatelet agents and anticoagulants. However, effective restoration of blood flow in the infarct-related artery may paradoxically result in further damage to the heart muscle. This phenomenon, called ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI), can significantly reduce the beneficial effects of reperfusion therapy. The rapid restoration of blood flow to the previously ischemic area causes a number of pathophysiological mechanisms leading to increased necrosis of myocytes still viable at the end of the ischemic period. It has been postulated that there are several strategies that can reduce damage to the heart muscle. Attempts to translate the results of experimental trials has been disappointing. More recently, however, some of the clinical benefits of ischemic postconditioning in which reperfusion in patients with STEMI who are undergoing PCI is interrupted with short episodes of ischemia were demonstrated. This renewed the interest in the reperfusion phase as a target for cardioprotective therapy. Research in this field has also been reinforced by the discovery of new potential targets for treatment that protects against IRI, such as the kinase pathway to protect against damage (reperfusion injury salvage kinases – RISK) and mitochondrial permeability transition pore. It seems that these findings will help to develop strategies that will improve the efficiency of mechanical reperfusion and may translate into long-term clinical effects.